Tile flooring has been used for centuries and is revered for its beautiful look as well as its function. Most homes have at least some tile flooring present, usually in area where water is a concern, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. If your home has tile and you want to be sure to care for it properly, you need to purchase the best vacuum for tile floors.
Contents
- Can You Vacuum Tile Floors?
- Features to Look for in Tile Floor Vacuums
- Our Top 10 Picks for the Best Vacuums for Tile Floors
- 1. Dyson DC25 Ball All-Floors Upright Vacuum Cleaner
- 2. BISSELL PowerEdge Pet Hard Floor Corded Vacuum
- 3. Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum, 3670G
- 4. Hoover Vacuum Cleaner Linx Bagless Corded Cyclonic Lightweight Stick Vacuum SH20030
- 5. Bissell 1132A Symphony All-in-One Vacuum and Steam Mop
- 6. Electrolux Ergorapido Lithium Ion 2-1 Stick and Handheld Vacuum, EL2055B - Cordless
- 7. Hoover Hardwood Floor Cleaner FloorMate SpinScrub with Bonus Hard Floor Wipes Corded Bare Floor Cleaner FH40010B
- 8. Shark Sonic Duo Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaner
- 9. VonHaus 600W 2 in 1 Corded Lightweight Upright Stick & Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
- 10. Fuller Brush Spiffy Maid Bagless Broom Vacuum Cleaner
- Best way to clean TILE floors
- Extending the Life of Your Tile Floors
- Final Words
Can You Vacuum Tile Floors?
This is a common question from homeowners. We tend to think of vacuums as something you use on carpet, while tile, hardwood, and laminate floors need mops and brooms. While these are good tools to have in your home for a variety of cleaning tasks, it is absolutely possible to vacuum tile floors.
The caveat to this is that not all vacuums can handle the task. When looking for a vacuum to handle your tile floors, you have two options: purchase one that is designed to handle multiple surfaces and can clean your entire home, or purchase a special vacuum specifically designed to work on tile floors alone. So let’s take a look at what features you need in a vacuum for tile floor.
Features to Look for in Tile Floor Vacuums
On the surface, it may seem like any vacuum can work for tile floors as they are a pretty durable material and the dirt has nowhere to hide. However, the truth is that most vacuums on the market are ineffective at removing dirt and debris from tile surfaces. In addition to this fact, the wrong type of vacuum can actually damage your tile floors, taking away from the look and value of your home. To purchase the best vacuum for use on your tile floors, take the following features into consideration.
No Beater Brush or Retractable Beater Brush:
Beater brushes are great for pulling dirt and debris out of carpeting, but once your vacuum is on a hard surface, they become problematic. The stiff bristles on these brushes can cause damage to tile floors, especially quarry tiles that do not have a protective glaze on top of them.
Powerful Suction:
Since you cannot rely on a brush to help pull out the dirt, you need a vacuum with powerful suction. The deeper the indents of your grout, the more you will rely on this. Additionally, quarry tiles tend to be somewhat uneven, giving dirt and debris extra hiding spots.
Quality Filtration:
Every vacuum, no matter its purpose, needs a filtration system. However, this becomes even more important when you are cleaning tile floors. With carpeting, dirt and debris often become trapped, which while not the cleanest, does mean they are not easily pulled into the air and into your lungs. But on tile floor, any dirt and debris left gets into the air. You want a vacuum that traps this and makes it easy to dispose of.
Non-Slip Wheels:
As you have no doubt noticed, tile can get pretty slippery. Because of this, you need wheels that do not slip, ensuring you can maintain control over the machine. Rubber is the best material, while plastic is the worst. However, sometimes you will find plastic wheels with a non-slip coating that are suitable.
Wet or Dry:
Ultimately, both types of vacuums can work. However, having a vacuum that offers a wet wash or wipe mode to steam and/or wipe your floors can make the process of cleaning your tile floors easier, eliminating the need for a separate mop. However, those with wet wipes mean additional cost in replacing them, and those with a steamer often weigh more due to the water tank, so you must weigh the costs and benefits of this choice.
Our Top 10 Picks for the Best Vacuums for Tile Floors
Product name | Image | Brush Features | Suction | Filtration | Wheels | Wet/Dry | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyson DC25 Ball All-Floors Upright Vacuum Cleaner |
| Yes, but can be turned off | Powerful Root Cyclone technology | Yes, HEPA filtration | Plastic | Dry only | #1 |
| BISSELL PowerEdge Pet Hard Floor Corded Vacuum |
| No | Powerful vacuum, uses suction only | Yes | Unclear | Dry only | #2 |
| Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum, 3670G |
| No | Powerful vacuum, uses suction only | Yes | Plastic with non-slip design | Dry only | #3 |
| Hoover Vacuum Cleaner Linx Bagless Corded Cyclonic Lightweight Stick Vacuum SH20030 |
| Yes, but can be turned off | Strong suction | Yes | Rubber | Dry only | #4 |
| Bissell 1132A Symphony All-in-One Vacuum and Steam Mop |
| Yes, but designed for hard floors | Strong suction | Yes | Unclear | Dry only | #5 |
| Electrolux Ergorapido Lithium Ion 2-1 Stick and Handheld Vacuum, EL2055B - Cordless |
| Yes, but designed for hard floors | Powerful cyclonic system | Yes | Unclear | Dry only | #6 |
| Hoover Hardwood Floor Cleaner FloorMate SpinScrub with Bonus Hard Floor Wipes Corded Bare Floor Cleaner FH40010B |
| Yes, but designed for hard floors | Powerful cyclonic system | Yes | Plastic with non-slip design | Wet and dry | #7 |
| Shark Sonic Duo Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaner |
| Yes, but designed for hard floors | Strong suction | Yes | No wheels | Wet and dry | #8 |
| VonHaus 600W 2 in 1 Corded Lightweight Upright Stick & Handheld Vacuum Cleaner |
| Yes, but as an attachment | Strong suction | Yes, HEPA filtration | Plastic with non-slip design | Dry only | #9 |
| Fuller Brush Spiffy Maid Bagless Broom Vacuum Cleaner |
| Yes, but designed for hard floors | Strong suction | Yes | Plastic with non-slip design | Dry only | #10 |
1. Dyson DC25 Ball All-Floors Upright Vacuum Cleaner
For many homeowners, owning more than one vacuum is not idea, either due to storage space, money, or just wanting to keep things simple. No matter your reason for wanting a single vacuum for the whole house, chances are the Dyson DC25 is for you. This vacuum is designed to handle all types of flooring through basics adjustments, working as well on medium to high pile carpeting as it does on hardwood and tile. The brush bar spins fast and can easily remove pet hair from carpeting, while it can be turned off to still be gentle on tile, making it the best vacuum for tile floors and pet hair. The telescope reach wand ensures that no surfaces in your home are beyond the reach of this vacuum. The HEPA filter keeps your air clean while the easy empty bin ensures that your dirt and debris do not get into the air after cleaning is complete.
On the downside, some users feel that the attachments are a little clumsy when compared to the sleek design of the machine at large. There are also complaints that the machine is a bit heavy and cumbersome to move between floors, so you need to consider this if you have a multilevel home. However, it is overall a very solid product with a strong consumer following.
PROS
- Easy steering
- Washable filter
- Works on all surfaces
CONS
- Awkward attachments
- Cumbersome to move between floors
2. BISSELL PowerEdge Pet Hard Floor Corded Vacuum
Most vacuums struggle to reach the edges of a space properly, often leaving behind enough dirt and debris that following up with a broom is necessary. However, the BISSELL PowerEdge is designed to offer edge-to-edge cleaning. To make this vacuum even more impressive, it is designed to pick up pet hair better than most other machines on the market, even on hard surfaces. This machine has a unique v-shaped head that is meant to simplify vacuuming around furniture rather than moving it, which means there is less of a chance of damaging your floors while cleaning. The head swivels easily, so you work less to get it around the floor.
Of course, every product has its problems. For this model, the biggest concern is the noise it creates. Most vacuums specifically designed to target pet hair are also quiet for the comfort of animals in the home. However, this vacuum is actually rather loud. The other main complaint from customers is that the wheels can lock up from time to time and they must wiggle to machine to get them moving again.
PROS
- You do not need to sweep after you vacuum
- It is specifically designed to target pet hair
- You do not need to move furniture to clean
CONS
- The noise created by the motor may disturb some animals
- The wheels can cause issues from time to time
3. Eureka Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum, 3670G
This is another vacuum that is designed to be used on multiple surfaces; all you need to do is change out the attachments to move between tile, carpeting, and other surfaces in your home. A major benefit of this particular model is that it is very lightweight at less than 9 pounds, making it easy to carry up and down the stairs. Its canister designed is also made to rest on the steps when you are cleaning them. The suction on this model is strong and the canister is easy to empty, making it all around a great contender for most homes with tile floors.
There are some fairly minor issues with the machine. Many users feel the cord is too short and must repeatedly plug and unplug when cleaning a space. However, the biggest problem is the hose. When first purchased, it is quite stiff, and over time it can develop kinks that weaken the suction of the vacuum.
PROS
- Works on multiple surface types
- Lightweight
- Great for stairs
CONS
- Short cord
- Hose can produce kinks
4. Hoover Vacuum Cleaner Linx Bagless Corded Cyclonic Lightweight Stick Vacuum SH20030
The most difficult part of purchases a new vacuum is usually assembling it, but the Linx is quick and easy to put together. This vacuum is specifically made to offer edge-to-edge cleaning, eliminating the need for sweeping up after vacuuming. It can work on multiple surfaces with a few minor adjustments, though it is not ideal for high-pile carpeting. This particular model is corded, but there is a cordless version if that interests you.
The primary downside to this vacuum is there are no attachments that come with it. And unfortunately, you cannot purchase any separately either. Beyond this, the bin is quite small, but this is expected with a stick vacuum.
PROS
- It assembles quickly
- You can use it on hardwood and carpet
- You can choose corded or cordless options
CONS
- No accessories
- Small bin
5. Bissell 1132A Symphony All-in-One Vacuum and Steam Mop
Depending on the type of flooring you have and how high traffic the area is, it may be ideal to have a wet-dry option that you strictly use on hard surfaces. If this is true for you, the BISSELL Symphony All-in-One Vacuum and Steam Mop is an excellent choice. This vacuum can be used on any hard floors, though you should be careful if using the steam mop on wood floors. It features digital controls that make operating it easy and has an adjustable handle to make it easy to share it amongst members of the household. 4 mop pads are included and will need to be replaced eventually, but should last for some time. Assembly is just one step and its lightweight and slim profile makes it easy to use and store.
This model could use some minor improvements. It is not effective on unsealed grout, so a special attachment for this would be nice. But the biggest problem is that there is no switch to turn it on and off; once you plug it in, it is on until you unplug it again.
PROS
- Eliminates the need for mopping separately
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight
CONS
- Not good if your tile has unsealed grout
- No on and off switch
6. Electrolux Ergorapido Lithium Ion 2-1 Stick and Handheld Vacuum, EL2055B - Cordless
In terms of cordless vacuums, the Ergorapido offers some of the longest-lasting power. A single charge gives you more than 20 minutes of full power suction after which you can continue on for a short while with diminished power. You can detach the handheld vacuum to reach difficult spots for a more thorough cleaning and the cyclonic system delivers powerful suction. Setup requires just one step and the lightweight design means you do not need to strain in order to clean your home.
As for the downsides, the handheld unit is somewhat bulky, which means attachments are needed for tight corners. And, as this is a stick vacuum, the bin is quite small. Expect to empty it frequently.
PROS
- Long-lasting power
- Powerful suction
- Easy to assemble and maneuver
CONS
- Need attachments for tight spaces
- Small bin
7. Hoover Hardwood Floor Cleaner FloorMate SpinScrub with Bonus Hard Floor Wipes Corded Bare Floor Cleaner FH40010B
This wet/dry vacuum is designed to eliminate the need for mops and scrub brushes, and even the bucket for your cleaning solution. Instead, this model handles it all. In fact, it even dries your floors as well. Because of this drying action, it is great for use on hardwood too, one of the only wet/dry vacuums that can claim this distinction. In addition to these great features, it also offers a folding handle for easy storage.
Some users feel that this vacuum is good for light to medium mopping but that heavy dirt and grime will still require scrubbing; the best way to prevent this is to clean every day. Also, the small tank for the water needs to be filled often, and the tank for the dirty water emptied just as frequently.
PROS
- Offers vacuuming, mopping, and drying modes
- Can be used on hardwood
- Easy to store
CONS
- Does not handle heavy-duty mopping jobs well
- The tanks must be filled and emptied often
8. Shark Sonic Duo Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaner
This vacuum is designed to take care of just about every possible cleaning job in your home. It comes with modes for carpet and hard floors, including wood, tile, and laminate. It comes with concentrated cleaning solutions that are safe for pets but effective at getting the job done. The microfiber pads are designed specifically for hardwood to prevent damage. Finally, the swivel steering makes it very easy to maneuver.
A major complaint with this vacuum is that the cleaning solution bottles are not reusable. This means you must repeatedly purchase them to refill, and it also makes it difficult to use other cleaning solutions if those interest you. Some users found the spray mechanism stopped working well after a few months of use, but this is not a consistent issue.
PROS
- Can handle multiple surfaces
- Designed to be gentle on floors
- Easy to maneuver
CONS
- Cannot refill the bottles
- Some users have trouble with the spray mechanism
9. VonHaus 600W 2 in 1 Corded Lightweight Upright Stick & Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
If you are looking for a model that is effective and affordable, the VonHaus Lightweight Upright Stick and Handheld Vacuum may be the right choice for you. This is one of the most affordable units on the market, and it gets the job done. The dust bin can hold 1.3 liters at a time, giving you more cleanings between emptying the bin. The HEPA and sponge filtration system removes the vast majority of allergens from the air. And it glides easily without compromising its suction.
However, it is not a good choice for surfaces other than tile and hardwood, which limits is cleaning ability. Some users felt the suction was not as good as more expensive models on the market, but it still did its job.
PROS
- Highly affordable
- Larger bin
- Easy glide
CONS
- Only good on hard surfaces
- Could have more powerful suction
10. Fuller Brush Spiffy Maid Bagless Broom Vacuum Cleaner
This lightweight vacuum works well on hard floors as well as low-pile carpeting. The 9 amp motor is quite powerful for the size of the machine and the HEPA filter keeps the air clean. It comes with a crevice tool that is stored on board and the 30-foot cord is longer than most vacuums. As an added benefit, it stores upright, so you do not need to prop it up if you step away from cleaning for a bit.
While the 30-foot cord is a major plus for some, others find it to be too difficult to manage. Another common complaint is that it is difficult to empty. However, most users feel it is a great vacuum for its price.
PROS
- Works on hard surfaces and low-pile carpeting
- Strong HEPA filter
- Stores upright
CONS
- Cord can be cumbersome
- Difficult to empty
Best way to clean TILE floors
Tile floors are not any harder to keep clean than carpeted floors, but it often feels like they are. This comes down to the fact that tile floors do not hide their dirt in carpet fibers, leaving it highly visible at all times. This means that carpeted floors are often much dirtier, but the dirt on tile is more bothersome.
Tile floors and other hard floors are great choices for homeowners with allergies since dust and allergens have nowhere to hide. They are also a good option for anyone who just wants to rest assured that they know how clean their floors are. Luckily, cleaning them is an easy task if you complete the following steps for the best way to clean tile floors:
1. Start by clearing the floor as much as possible. This means scooting lightweight furniture out of the way, as well as small items like pet dishes, toys, and accessories. Heavier furniture items should either not be moved or should be moved using special furniture pads. Be careful not to drop anything heavy on the tile surface as this can cause the tiles to break, leading to replacement.
2. Examine your floor carefully for any large or rough debris, such as pebbles, sand, or even things like nails and screws that may have been dropped during a home improvement project. If you notice debris like this, sweep it away with a broom first or carefully use your tie floor vacuum to sweep it up. These types of debris can scratch the surface of your tile, dulling it over time. Be careful not to drag this debris around if you choose to use your vacuum to clean it up.
3. Once the larger debris has been carefully removed, you can freely use your tile floor vacuum to suction up any dust, dirt, and small debris. If there is caked-on dirt from things like mud and food spills, you will need to use water and possibly a cleaning solution for a thorough cleaning.
4. For caked-on dirt, you can use a mop, scrub brush, or if you vacuum has wet/dry options, simply use it. Tile is very resistant to water, so you can use a decent amount to get the job done. Just be carefully to dry the floor after so no one gets hurt walking on it.
5. Depending on the cleaning tools you have, you may need to give your grout special care. You can do this using a scrub brush and gentle cleaning solution, or a specialty mop. It is best to leave the cleaning solution on the grout for at least ten minutes before scrubbing it away. Grout will discolor overtime, so you may need to bleach it or regrout 1-2 times a year.
6. A few times a year, you may want to wax your tile floors. This will help to keep their shine and also make them more resistant to staining. This should be done carefully as it can make the tiles very slick. Be sure to complete this job when the family can be out of the house for a while.
7. Every so many years, you will want to reseal your tile and grout. This further protects the tile from staining while building up its attractive shine.
In most cases, cleaning your tile floor should just take about 10-20 minutes, depending on how dirty it is and what types of tools you have on hand. It is important that you clean it at least once a day, even if it is just a basic cleaning.
Extending the Life of Your Tile Floors
Tile floors are incredibly durable, and in most homes, they never need to be replaced for anything other than changing home design. However, they can sustain damage given the right conditions. Your goal should be to keep this potential damage to a minimum, allowing you to keep your tile floors for decades to come. Below are some easy ways you can extend the life of your tile floor.
- Ask people to take off their shoes or brush their shoes off before entering your home. Small debris can scratch the surface of tile floors and dull the shine.
- Make use of area rugs and runners in high traffic areas, particularly if your stairs have tile on them. Tile stairs are more at risk of breakage since the delicate edges are exposed.
- Be very careful when carrying anything heavy across tile floors. Dropping heavy items can shatter the tiles, requiring replacement.
- Always wipe up spills quickly, especially if they come into contact with the grout.
- Repair any damage you find immediately.
Final Words
Your tile floors are vital to the look and function of your home. This means you need to keep them clean and in great shape. Part of this is purchasing the best vacuum for your tile floors. While there are many options on the market, we are confident that one of our 10 choices above will be the right vacuum for you.
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